Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Advanced Foot Presence Detection System for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857029_0004_PTD
Published: October 27, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Foot Presence Detection System for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857029_0004_PTD, Published October 27, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857029_0004_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,029.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Foot presence signal processing systems and methods', provides a foundational framework for detecting foot presence and analyzing related data. However, it does not address the unique challenges and requirements of specialized, niche environments. This invention disclosure bridges that gap by introducing novel, adaptive solutions that cater to these specific needs.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of these new claims lies in their focus on specific, high-demand niches, which are not addressed by the original patent. The inventive step resides in the integration of specialized components, materials, and algorithms that enable these footwear systems to thrive in extreme environments, thereby providing a unique value proposition.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Other potential embodiments of these specialized footwear systems could include modular, interchangeable components for easy customization, integration with wearable devices or IoT networks, or the incorporation of advanced materials with enhanced durability, insulation, or water resistance.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

These innovative footwear systems have significant commercial potential in various industries, including outdoor recreation, healthcare, disaster relief, and high-security services. By targeting these specific niches, NIKE, Inc. can establish a strong market presence, capitalize on emerging trends, and drive revenue growth.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A43 A43C11/165
A A43 A43B1/0054
A A43 A43B3/0031
A A43 A43B3/34
A A43 A43B3/36
A A43 A43B13/14
A A43 A43B17/00
A A43 A43C1/00
A A43 A43C7/00
A A43 A43C11/008
A A61 A61B5/6807
G G01 G01D5/12
G G01 G01D5/24
G G01 G01L1/12
G G01 G01L1/14
G G01 G01L1/142
G G01 G01L1/144
G G01 G01L5/0009
G G01 G01L5/0014
G G01 G01L5/0071
G G01 G01L5/12
G G01 G01L5/16
G G01 G01L5/165
G G01 G01L5/24
G G05 G05B15/02
G G05 G05B19/048
A A43 A43B3/38
A A43 A43C1/003
A A43 A43C1/006
A A43 A43C1/02
A A43 A43C1/04
A A43 A43C1/06
A A43 A43C11/00
G G01 G01D5/145
G G01 G01D5/2405
G G01 G01D5/34
G G05 G05B2219/24015

Field of Art

Footwear sensor systems and intelligent shoe technologies, encompassing biomechanical sensing, capacitive proximity detection, and adaptive electronic systems for footwear

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

An electrical engineer or mechatronics specialist with expertise in sensor integration, signal processing, wearable electronics, and biomechanical interface design, possessing knowledge of capacitive sensing, embedded systems, and footwear ergonomics

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations of the source patent's core capacitive sensing and signal processing technologies by applying known sensor integration techniques to specialized environmental and functional contexts. The disclosed variations demonstrate standard engineering problem-solving approaches of adapting existing sensor architectures to meet specific use case requirements. These modifications represent routine design choices within the established technological framework of intelligent footwear systems.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Capacitance-based foot proximity sensor with processor circuit for detecting foot events
PTD Variation
Temperature-resistant capacitive sensor configured for high-altitude, low-oxygen environments with pressure-adjusted signal processing
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting sensor performance characteristics to extreme environments is a predictable engineering solution using known signal conditioning techniques
Source Patent Element
Processor circuit for analyzing sensor signals and determining step events
PTD Variation
Machine learning algorithms integrated into footwear to analyze user behavior and dynamically adjust lacing patterns
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying adaptive signal processing and machine learning to existing sensor architectures represents a standard approach to enhancing sensor system intelligence
Source Patent Element
Sensor system with multiple input sources including accelerometer for stride analysis
PTD Variation
Biometric authentication system integrated into footwear using sensor data for identity verification and access control
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending sensor fusion techniques to include additional authentication modalities is a predictable technological progression
Source Patent Element
Flexible sensor system configured for detecting foot proximity and movement
PTD Variation
Modular footwear platform with water-resistant, temperature-tolerant sensor integration across extreme environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing environmental robustness through material and design modifications represents standard engineering problem-solving within sensor system development
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857029 and the published technical disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious through routine engineering modifications, predictable sensor integration techniques, and standard approaches to extending electronic footwear technologies across specialized use cases. The disclosed variations represent foreseeable adaptations of existing capacitive sensing and signal processing methodologies to meet specific functional requirements.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,029
TitleFoot presence signal processing systems and methods
Assignee(s)NIKE, Inc.